Statewide Policy
From the streets to the state Capitol, young people are fighting everyday for a brighter future in California. Our movement leaders are determined to take on the major issues, from housing to voting rights, and we plan to win. Learn more about our current statewide legislative campaigns.
Housing remains the most important issue for young people and their families. This legislative cycle, we are fighting—and continuing to advocate—for bills that actively work to create more affordable housing, keep our communities from being pushed out, and build the power of young people.
ASSEMBLY BILL (AB) 2801: Assemblymember Friedman TENANCY: SECURITY DEPOSITS
We deserve to have our security deposits returned to us when we move out of an apartment, as long as we leave it in good shape. AB 2801 makes sure that security deposits are used fairly, and not for professional cleaning services or to subsidize upgrades. Many renters depend on the return of their security deposit to cover the costs associated with moving to another unit. Displacement, homelessness, and landlord discrimination are critical issues impacting young people of color ages 18-35 who make up a large portion of the state’s renter population. In places like Fresno and the Central Valley region, more than half of the population are renters and are at the most risk of losing their homes. AB 2801 helps ensure that renters have an opportunity to remain in stable housing situations.
ASSEMBLY BILL (AB) 2427: Assemblymember Reyes PROMOTING HIGH SCHOOL VOTER REGISTRATION
Young people ages 18-35 will soon be the new political majority in California. Youth should be supported to engage in civic decision-making and participate in our democracy. AB 2724 (co-sponsored by PowerCA Action) would provide all High School students in California the opportunity and resources needed to pre-register to vote by the end of their eleventh grade. In the last 5 years, more than 100,000 young voters across the state have pre-registered and registered to vote, because young people are excited to voice their opinions on issues that most matter to them! AB 2724 would mobilize young people of color and their families to transform their strength in numbers into real political power at the polls.
ASSEMBLY CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT (ACA) 10: Assemblymember Haney FUNDAMENTAL HUMAN RIGHT TO HOUSING
ACA 10 (co-sponsored by PowerCA Action) asserts that all Californians have a fundamental right to adequate housing that is safe, permanent, affordable, accessible, and close to community resources. Nearly 9 out of 10 young Californians support state and local policies to make housing more affordable and protect those most at risk. ACA 10 would amend our state’s constitution to say that we ALL have a right to housing, and require state and local jurisdictions to take proactive steps to provide Californians with adequate housing.
SENATE BILL (SB) 1079: Senator Menjivar YOUTH HOUSING BOND FUND ACT OF 2024
PowerCA Action supports SB 1079 because it aims to combat housing instability and homelessness for California’s most vulnerable youth, including foster youth. In a recent poll, young Californians ages 18-35 identified affordable housing and homelessness as the most pressing issues for government and policymakers to address. SB 1079 helps stem the pipeline of youth homelessness to chronic adult homelessness by creating a youth housing bond that prioritizes capital expenditures for necessary equipment for youth housing.